System of parts that can be coupled using a combination of mechanical and magnetic coupling mechanisms

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a system of parts that can be coupled using mechanical or magnetic coupling mechanisms, or combinations thereof. Said system of couplable parts allows providing varying weights using the parts from a set of parts of the invention.

This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/IB2019/058049, filed Sep. 23, 2019, which claims benefit of priority to Application No. NC2018/0010563, filed Oct. 2, 2018 in Colombia and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosed applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of devices or variable weight systems for different types of applications in particular to the physical and ludic activity.

BACKGROUND

In recent years the training for muscular strength, used initially by athletes whose disciplines require a high level of maximum strength and power, has been included in other athletic modalities. This, along with the scientific evidence about the benefits that this has in our health, has caused this type of training to be recommended in all athletic modalities.

With years the types of ways or implements to realize muscular strength training have been diversified. Amongst others, some of the most used are the devices of free weight. They are called free weight because they allow freedom of movement when performing an exercise, without being subject to a prefixed and controlled path, as it is with training machines. Basically, the free weight devices are referred to the commonly named dumbbells, barbells and weight plates. These devices are generally distinguished by sharing a basic design of equal weight, in a form of plate or ball, joined by a central axis or metallic bar that serves as a handle; and they differ, principally, by the extension of the handle, that is established to be gripped by one hand, in the case of the dumbbells, or with both hands in the case of the barbells.

Currently, the devices of free weight are used in fixed weight and variable weight versions. The fixed weight dumbbells are, for example, dumbbells with a specific weight; which in case you wish to change the weight you must change the dumbbell. The variable weight dumbbells are generally speaking, dumbbells to which you can add or remove weight from the ends. In a general way, variable weight dumbbells are formed by: a handle, one or several pairs of weights in the form of plates and two clamps that fix the plates to the handle.

The U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,379A patent divulges a singular or plurality of variable weight, thread-socketed dumbbell system comprising a one-piece dumbbell and a plurality of removable attachable insert weights. The one-piece dumbbell comprises a handle bar fixedly attached to a pair of end-weights at opposing ends of the handle bar. Each end-weight may have one (1) to three (3) axially-aligned, inwardly-opening, threaded sockets. Each insert weight may be a disc-shaped weight having a protruding, threaded member. The insert weights are capable of removable attaching to the socketed end-weights. The invention further includes a singular or plurality of variable weight, lock-socketed, dumbbell structures comprising a one-piece dumbbell and a plurality of insert weights.

The U.S. Pat. No. 7,001,310 patent, shows an adjustable weight exercise device such as a barbell or a dumbbell in which a handle is provided with fixed weights permanently coupled to each end of the handle and a collar is provided having a first portion for detachable threading engagement with the fixed weights and the collar has a second portion with external threads for detachable threading engagement with a threaded aperture in add on weights.

Along with the previous mentioned, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,151 patent, divulges an exercising device such as a weight lifting device referred to as a barbell and an exercising device of a so-called dumbbell type. The exercising device comprises a pair of housings mounted on a bar, each housing adapted to contain annularly-shaped weights in concentric nested relation with the innermost weights mounted on the bar and the housings secured to the bar. Each housing is provided with a cover supported on the bar and secured to the bar by releasable means. The annular nested weights in each housing are prevented against relative movements, the arrangement of weights in a housing being subject to any combination of a weight or weights with the retained weight or weights in a housing but restrained against movement in a housing and thereby render each housing and weight assembly of variable weight as desired by a user of the exerciser or weight lifting device.

In the same way, the utility model CN202459963 refers to a device to build the body, and particularly refers to a dumbbell, that consists of two heads of dumbbells and a hand bar, in which openings are formed in the ends of the heads of the dumbbell, the heads of the threads of the thread are set at the opening, the internal part of each head of the dumbbell adopts a hollow structure, and a plurality of equal weights are disposed within the cavity of the heads of the dumbbells. The weight has the advantages in the following manner: the structure is simple; the dumbbell is convenient to use; the weight of the dumbbell can be changed as wanted; and it can satisfy the requirements of use for all ages.

These designs have an irregular outline in common that makes its use difficult, or that can be adapted, in exercises in which the weight can be held directly in other parts of the body different from the hands, in the same way that a dumbbell can be adapted to be used as a barbell and vice versa. In the same way, although they allow the weight of the device to be modified, they require that the fasteners and, afterwards, the plates that are not needed on each end of the handle be removed; then insert the plates in pairs of same weight, one on each end of the handle, necessary to keep the device balanced; which limits the weights that can be obtained necessarily along with the combination of pairs of plates or weights available, preventing to have representative weights which correspond to intermediate values, to odd combinations or simply to plates not available, and finally, putting back the fasteners on each end of the handle, until the plates are firmly secured. All of this is an uncomfortable and delayed process, even with small weights, even more when a suitable external support for the handle is not available, and has to be repeated each time a new weight is needed; which results in an outstanding time loss during an exercise routine.

There are other devices to perform exercises, in which weight is distributed in a quite different way, since the weight changes are not specifically realized by plates on the ends of the device. These are elements that in the beginning were used for a specific sport or the need to exercise a specific muscle, for example rehabilitation, and that later on were diversified for the performance of different exercises.

For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,664 patent divulges a portable variable weight exercise stick is formed from two easily detachable hollow sections which have access caps for adding a desired variable weight to the hollow sections and retainers therein to allow the addition of a variable weight without having it rattle in the stick during exercise. A ball of squeezable material is mounted on each end of the stick. The stick is specially formed to be ideally suited as a golf swing exercise device for building a stronger and more grooved golf swing.

Patent U.S. Pat. No. 3,758,109 shows a variable weight exerciser which has a primary elongated bar and one or more secondary elongated bars of lesser width than the primary bar. The primary bar is adapted for insertion of the secondary elongated bars and an end cap is provided for securing the secondary bars within the primary bar.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,016 patent divulges variable therapeutic and exercise weights which may be used for physical activity, and which are especially useful when used with physical rehabilitation patients. The inventive weights are capable of providing a full range of physical activity necessary for the rehabilitation of the physical rehabilitation patient. These variable therapeutic weights may be used for active exercise, active-assistive exercise and resistive exercise. The variable therapeutic and exercise weights according to the present invention comprise a plurality of hollow members, each of which may be weighted by providing suitable weights in the interior of the hollow members. There is further provided male-type and female-type coupling members which removably couple each of the hollow members to another hollow member. At least one of the hollow members will, preferably, be unweighted and having female-type coupling members at each of the respective ends of the hollow member. The remainder of the hollow members may be weighted of unweighted and capable of removably coupling each hollow member to another.

In the same way, patent WO9309850, shows a combined long/short dumbbell made up of four components. The two pieces (A, D) can be used as a short dumbbell, while a long dumbbell is produced assembling all four pieces. The components are cylindrical, with tapering conical mortices (2) or tenons (4) provided with screw threads (1, 3, 7, 8) at both their narrow and wide points.

Additionally, there are devices of free weight known as kettlebells, which consist in a main body with the form of a ball or semi sphere, of which upper part a circular handle detaches, that according to its size permits the use of one or both hands. In the same way as dumbbells and barbells, this design does not allow to be used or adapted to exercises in which the weight is not applied directly on the hands and, additionally, it makes the practice of exercises in which, by its nature, the weight has contact with other parts of the body, uncomfortable, usually the forearm, or in general, those in which the center of mass is required to stay at the level of the hand(s).

In this way, the current free weight devices are still complex for using, they might bring along a considerable amount of variable weights; once a weight has been established, the user does not have the possibility, unless he acquires another handle of similar characteristics, to take advantage the remaining weight in an additional way, which prevents for example, exercising both arms independently and simultaneously, or that two people exercise at the same time without acquiring more elements. This increases the costs for the users, especially if they are to be used at home. Furthermore, traditional free weight devices have a characteristic design and shape, that does not aesthetically integrate with the home or office environment, which makes it common to keeping them stored in hidden places, taking them out the moment they are to be used, and hide them again after finishing, requiring a place to store them and consuming additional time.

Therefore, the need for new free weight devices exists, especially of variable weight that are easy to use, store, that can be used in different ways, reducing the pieces to be used which reduces costs of purchase, and quickly set any weight, reducing time of change between exercises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The couplable pieces system that the invention proposes has been conceived to solve, preferably, these problematic aspects that traditional free weight devices present.

The invention proposes a series of pieces or simple devices with cylindrical form, preferably in steel or iron, solid in its interior, of equal diameter but different length and weight, and with a coupling mechanism on each end, that lets them firmly fixate one with another, enabling them to form a bar or device composed of two or more pieces, which length and total weight are given by the sum of lengths and weights of the coupled pieces that compose it, so that it can have the number of pieces that, given the accumulated length and weight, it is considered recommendable.

Its cylindrical and uniformed design, independently from the amount of coupled pieces, makes that, unlike the traditional dumbbells and barbells, the device can be used with one or both hands, and that there is no need for a paired number of pieces of equal weight for it to be balanced. This along with a combination of pieces with the suitable weight will result in a system of pieces that will permit one or more devices of any weight, which is multiple of the piece's weight of the lighter weight in the system.

Its circular outline, adapts in a natural way to the outlines of the body: allowing them to be used comfortably, in a variety of exercises in which the weight performs directly in different parts of the body, as can be, the thighs, chest, shoulders or the neck.

In the usual exercises in which the weight is held with one or two hands, its cylindrical form keeps the center of mass at the hands level, avoiding that the device contacts other parts of the body, as in the kettlebells.

The coupling mechanisms at the ends of the pieces, only require that the respective ends join to, with a simple movement and/or thanks to the magnetic action, create a quick and strong coupling; which reduces substantially the time required to modify the weight of the device, without using more space or raising costs, as a consequence of using a mechanism or external support.

Additionally, once some pieces have coupled, the remaining pieces can be coupled amongst them, and be used to make one or more additional devices. This way, almost half of the weights that can be achieved by a set of pieces, can be obtained in pairs of devices and, with the adequate pieces, you can have pairs of all the weights wanted; which makes it possible to exercise both extremities or that two, or even more people do exercise with the same set, simultaneously and in an independent form.

In the article “Effects of Fat Grip Training on Muscular Strength and Driving Performance in Division I Male Golfers.” (Cummings et. al.). The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. January 2018; 32(1):205-210, of the Stony Brook University Athletic Performance Department (New York) and the Mississippi State University Department of Kinesiology (Mississippi), they demonstrated that the fat grip training can let the athletes increase their specific performance of golf after eight weeks of periodized resistance training, due to the increase of the muscular strength. None of the devices of the state of the art mention or make reference to this benefit on training with fat grip training devices.

Whereas the present invention allows this type of training by being able to use different diameters and sizes. The size of its outline, bigger than usual, allows the hand and forearm muscles to work more efficiently, allowing the grip strength to get better and reducing the risk of tendinitis. The possibility of changing the diameter allows medical and athletic benefits with its use or to adapt to the use of it in different stages of the body development. Additionally, the invention can include surfaces, coatings, knurling, covers, etc., that can allow a better grip and all the benefits that derive from it.

Due to its minimalist design, the device is aesthetically integrated into a home or office environment; avoiding it to be stored in a hidden place, saving the time that it would take it out for use and storing it back when finishing, as well as the storage space. Its wide base allows it to easily hold a vertical position on a flat surface, reducing in this way the space that it uses when in rest.

Usually, the couplable pieces system allows to obtain quickly one, two or more devices of any weight, which is multiple of the piece's weight of the lighter weight, that can be used as dumbbells or barbells, providing a greater variety of exercises by being able to be held with other parts of the body different than hands, while allowing the hand and forearm muscles involved in the grip function to be exercised more efficiently. Additional, it significantly reduces the time it usually takes to switch to another weight, without taking up more space or increasing its cost, always staying available for its use, while decorating the environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complete the description, and allow a better comprehension of the characteristics of the invention, the descriptive memory is complemented with some drawings that illustrate, as an example of non-limiting characteristics, an embodiment of the present invention, as follows:

FIG. 1 shows a view in perspective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention where you can observe the different types of pieces that are part of the system, illustrating the possible combinations of couplings that can be used amongst them, and detailing the interior of the coupling mechanisms of each one.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, of an embodiment of pieces type F and E which at one end have a threaded mechanical coupling mechanism and on the other with a magnetic coupling mechanism, in position previous to coupling, showing the interior of the coupling mechanisms on each one.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of piece type G that on one end has the male configuration and on the other has the female configuration, from threaded mechanical coupling mechanism.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of pieces A, B, C, and D that only have the magnetic coupling mechanism, in a position previous to a possible coupling between them, showing the interior of the coupling mechanisms of each one.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism that consists of the male and female configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed blueprint view of the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism that consists of the male configuration with concentric groove and the female configuration with concentric tubular body.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed blueprint view of the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism that consists of male and female configuration.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism that consists of the male and female configuration with a different distribution of magnets.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism that consists of the male configuration with concentric groove and the female configuration with concentric tubular body.

FIG. 14 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism that consists of the male configuration with groove and the female configuration with tubular body with a different distribution of magnets.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism without magnets that consists of the male and female configuration.

FIG. 18 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism without magnets that consists of the male configuration with groove and the female configuration with tubular body.

FIG. 20 shows a detailed blueprint view of the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a system of pieces that consists of one or more pieces that can be coupled in a sequential manner through different coupling mechanisms at either one of its ends.

To start using the pieces of the system as a free weight device, it is not necessary to couple them one with another. Each piece is in itself an independent free weight device in its particular weight and if the weight of one of the pieces is the required, no previous process is necessary to use it in an exercise routine. The main purpose of coupling pieces one to another is to obtain, due to the sum of their combined weights, the values of weight that alone they do not have.

To couple amongst themselves, the one or more couplable pieces of the system of pieces comprise, in one or both ends, one or more coupling mechanisms selected from a mechanical coupling mechanism, a magnetic coupling mechanism, and/or combinations of these. The magnetic coupling mechanism refers to any type of coupling that uses magnets for coupling the pieces. The mechanical coupling mechanism refers to those that use any type of coupling by pression, threaded parts, QUICKLOC® coupling, hermetic coupling, adhesion, vacuum adhesion and/or velcro, amongst others.

As observed in FIGS. 5 and 6, in a preferred embodiment, the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism of the system of pieces of the invention, comprises a male configuration (10) and a female configuration (20), where the male configuration (10) presents a bar (11) with a threaded section screw type (12) and the female configuration (20) presents a cylindrical space (21) with a nut type threaded section (22). These configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) that has a screw type threaded section (12), with cylindrical space (21), that has a nut type threaded section (22), which permits the coupling of both configurations.

As observed in FIGS. 7 and 8, in a preferred embodiment of the invention of the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism, the male configuration (10), additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (13) between the bar (11) and an external border (14), and the female configuration (20) consists of one or more concentric tubular bodies (23). This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) that has a screw type threaded section (12) and one or more concentric grooves (13) with the cylindrical space (21) that has a nut type threaded section (22) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (23), which permits the coupling of both configurations.

As observed in FIGS. 9 and 10, in a preferred embodiment, the magnetic coupling mechanism of the system of pieces of the invention, comprises a male configuration (30) and a female configuration (40), where the male configuration (30) presents a bar (31) in whose surface (32) one or more magnets (33) are located, and a surface (34) made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction. Also, such female configuration (40) has a cylindrical space (41) whose base (42) is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction, and a surface (43) that has one or more magnets (44). This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) with the cylindrical space (41), allowing the contact of the surface (32) and magnets (33) with the base (42), as well as the contact of surface (34), with the surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, in a preferred embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism, the male configuration (30), additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (35) between the bar (31) and the external border (36), and the female configuration (40), additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (45). This way both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) and one or more concentric grooves (35) with the cylindrical space (41) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (45); allowing the contact of the surface (32) and the magnets (33), with the base (42); as well as the contact between the surface (34), with the surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

As observed in FIGS. 17 and 18, in a preferred embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism, the surface (32) of the male configuration (30) or the surface (43) of the female configuration (40) do not have magnets. This characteristic can occur when the magnetic coupling mechanisms of configurations (30) and (40) without magnets, join with another magnetic coupling with magnets, permitting that the magnets of such other magnetic coupling join the surfaces with material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction of the couplings without magnets.

As observed in FIGS. 11 and 12, in another preferred embodiment of the magnetic coupling mechanism, the male configuration (30) comprises magnets (37) on the surface (34) and the female configuration (40) comprises magnets (46) in the base (42). This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) with cylindrical space (41); allowing the contact of the surface (32) and magnets (33), with the base (42) and magnets (46); as well as the contact of the surface (34) and magnets (37), with surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the same preferred embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling mechanism, the male configuration (30) additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (35) between the bar (31) and the external border (36), and the female configuration (40) additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (45). This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) and one or more concentric grooves (35) with the cylindrical space (41) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (45), allowing the contact with the surface (32) and magnets (33), with the base (42) and magnets (46), as well as the contact of the surface (34) and magnets (37), with the surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In other embodiments of the system of pieces of the invention, the different coupling mechanisms of the pieces of the invention can be coupled amongst them. For example, the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism of one piece can be combined with the magnetic coupling mechanism of a different piece, forming a threaded mechanical magnetic coupling mechanism.

In one of these embodiments, the system of pieces of the invention, comprises a magnetic coupling mechanism with a male configuration (30) that presents a bar (31) in whose surface (32) are located one or more magnets (33); and a threaded mechanical coupling mechanism with a female configuration (20) that presents a cylindrical space (21) with a nut type threaded section (22) and whose base (24) is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction. This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) with the cylindrical space (21), allowing contact with the surface (32) and magnets (33), with the base (24) which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In the same embodiment, the male configuration (30) additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (35) between the bar (31) and the external border (36), and the female configuration (20) additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (23). Hence, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) and one or more concentric grooves (35) with the cylindrical space (21) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (23), allowing the contact with the surface (32) and magnets (33), with the base (24).

In another of these embodiments, the system of pieces of the invention, consists of a magnetic coupling mechanism with a male configuration (30) that presents a bar (31) and a surface (34) in which one or more magnets (37) are located; and a threaded mechanical coupling mechanism with a female configuration (20) that presents a cylindrical space (21) with a nut type threaded section (22) and whose surface (25) is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction. This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) with the cylindrical space (21), allowing contact with the surface (34) and magnets (37), with the surface (25) which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In the same embodiment, the male configuration (30) additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (35) between the bar (31) and the external border (36), and the female configuration (20) additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (23). Hence, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (31) and one or more concentric grooves (35) with the cylindrical space (21) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (23), allowing the contact with the surface (34) and magnets (37), with the surface (25).

In another of these embodiments of the invention, the system of pieces of the invention, comprises a threaded mechanical coupling mechanism with a male configuration (10), that presents a bar (11) with a screw type threaded section (12) and a surface (15) made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; and a magnetic coupling mechanism with a female configuration (40) that presents a cylindrical space (41) and a surface (42) in which one or more magnets (46) are located. This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) with the cylindrical space (41); allowing the contact of the surface (15) with the surface (42) and magnets (46); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In the same embodiment, the male configuration (10) additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (13) between the bar (11) and the external border (14), and the female configuration (40) comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (45). Hence, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) and one or more concentric grooves (13) with the cylindrical space (41) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (45); allowing the contact of the surface (15) with the surface (42) and magnets (46); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In another of these embodiments of the invention, the system of pieces of the invention, comprises a threaded mechanical coupling mechanism with a male configuration (10), that presents a bar (11) with a screw type threaded section (12) and a surface (16) made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; and a magnetic coupling mechanism with a female configuration (40) that presents a cylindrical space (41) and a surface (43) in which one or more magnets (44) are located. This way, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) with the cylindrical space (41); allowing the contact of the surface (16) with the surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In the same embodiment, the male configuration (10) additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves (13) between the bar (11) and the external border (14), and the female configuration (40) comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (45). Hence, both configurations have the right shape and size to adjust, the bar (11) and one or more concentric grooves (13) with the cylindrical space (41) and one or more concentric tubular bodies (45); allowing the contact of the surface (16) with the surface (43) and magnets (44); which permits the coupling of both configurations.

In another embodiment of the magnetic coupling, the length of the bar (31) that protrudes the external border (36) of the male configuration (30) that comprises one or more concentric grooves (35) is variable. This is, it can be the same as or bigger than the length of the external border (36). In another embodiment of the magnetic coupling, the length of the cylindrical space (41), that protrudes the external border (47), of the female configuration (40) that comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies (45), is variable. That is, it can be the same as or bigger than the length of the external border (47). The variation of the distances of the bar (31) and the cylindrical space (41) are given to obtain a more aesthetical finishing of the pieces, with the intention that the coupling between the pieces be stronger and its support on a flat surface be more stable.

As you can see in FIG. 1, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system of pieces is made by different types of pieces that couple amongst themselves to form a set of pieces of cylindrical body and flat ends. The weight and the variations of a same set of pieces, that the system of the invention can form, will depend on the number of pieces, as well as, the weights that each one of these pieces has.

In one embodiment of the invention, the system of pieces can be used in physical activities and as a recreational system that allows people of different ages to use it. The weights of each type of piece can be replaced by numbers, lengths, proportions, figures or any other that can allow an educational or playful purpose.

EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is illustrated additionally through the following examples, which are provided for the purpose of demonstration rather than limitation.

Example 1: Set of 7 Pieces of 14 Pounds (6.35 kg)

We start with a set of 7 pieces that form a cylindrical body with two flat ends that are composed of pieces A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Piece A comprises a flat end and another end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling. Piece B comprises a flat end and another end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Pieces C and D each comprise an end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling and another end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Piece E comprises an end that corresponds to the male configuration (10) with a threaded mechanical coupling and an end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Piece F comprises an end that corresponds to the female configuration (20) with threaded mechanical coupling and another end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling. Finally, piece G comprises an end that corresponds to the male configuration (10) with threaded mechanical coupling and another end that corresponds to the female configuration (20) with threaded mechanical coupling.

The set of 7 pieces begins by assembling piece G with piece F; coupling the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with male configuration (10) of piece G, with the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with female configuration (20) of piece F. Then, the other end of piece G that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with female configuration (20) joins the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with male configuration (10), of piece E.

We now continue with the assembly of piece C with piece E, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece C, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40) of piece E; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

In a similar way, we continue with the assembly of piece D with piece F, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40), of piece D, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece F; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

In the same way as described for the coupling between piece C ad piece E, we now continue with the assembling of piece A with piece C, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece A, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40) of piece C; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

Finally, we assemble piece B with piece D, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40), of piece B, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece D; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

The proportion of the weights of 7-piece set was realized as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Weight proportions for Example 1. Weight Proportions A C E G F D B 0.5 X 0.5 X 1 X 1 X 1 X X 1.5 X X 1.5 X X 2 X X 2.5 X X X 3 X 3 X 3 X X X X 3.5 X X 3.5 X X 4 X X 4 X X 4.5 X X X 4.5 X X X 5 X 5 X X X 5.5 X X 5.5 X X X X 6 X X 6 X 6.5 X X X 6.5 X X X 7 X X X 7 X X X X 7.5 X X X X 8 X X 8.5 X X X 9 X X X 9.5 X X X X 10 X X X X 10.5 X X X X X 11 X X X 11.5 X X X X 12 X X X X 12.5 X X X X X 13 X X X X X 13.5 X X X X X X 14 X X X X X X X

As can be seen on table 1, the proportion of the weights of the different pieces are as follows: piece A and B have a proportion of ½n; pieces C and D have a proportion of n; pieces E and F have a proportion of 3n; and piece G has a proportion of 5n.

The previous weight definition allows us to obtain a set of pieces with all the values of weights, multiples of the piece with lighter weight. For this example, where n=1 pound, the pieces weigh from 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg) up to 14 lbs (6.35 kg).

This is how, with a sole 7-piece set, we can obtain variations that allow the use of different devices. For example, as we can see from table 1, for a 7-piece set with a total weight of 14 pounds (6.35 kg), we can obtain 42 different devices as follows:

-   -   Two devices of 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg): Piece A and Piece B;     -   Three devices of 1 pound (0.45 kg): Piece C, Piece D and         Coupling of pieces A and B;     -   Two devices of 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg): Coupling of pieces C and B         and

Coupling of pieces A and D;

-   -   One device of 2 pounds (0.91 kg): Coupling of pieces C and D;     -   One device of 2.5 pounds (1.13 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C and         D;     -   Three devices of 3 pounds (1.36 kg): Piece E, Piece F and         Coupling of pieces A, C, D, and B;     -   Two devices of 3.5 pounds (1.59 kg): Coupling of pieces E and B         and Coupling of pieces A and F;     -   Two devices of 4 pounds (1.81 kg): Coupling of pieces E and D         and Coupling of pieces C and F;     -   Two devices of 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg): Coupling of pieces E, D and         B and Coupling of pieces A, C and F;     -   Two devices of 5 pounds (2.27 kg): Piece G, Coupling of pieces         C, E and D;     -   Two devices of 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg): Coupling of pieces G and B         and Coupling of pieces A, C, E and D;     -   Two devices of 6 pounds (2.72 kg): Coupling of pieces G and D         and Coupling of pieces E and F;     -   Two devices of 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg): Coupling of pieces A, G and         D and Coupling of pieces E, F and B;     -   Two devices of 7 pounds (3.18 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G and D         and Coupling of pieces A, E, F and B;     -   One device of 7.5 pounds (3.40 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, G         and D;     -   One device of 8 pounds (3.63 kg): Coupling of pieces G and F;     -   One device of 8.5 pounds (3.86 kg): Coupling of pieces A, G and         F;     -   One device of 9 pounds (4.08 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G and F;     -   One device of 9.5 pounds (4.31 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G, F         and B;     -   One device of 10 pounds (4.54 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G, F         and D;     -   One device of 10.5 pounds (4.76 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, G,         F and D;     -   One device of 11 pounds (5.00 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G and         F;     -   One device of 11.5 pounds (5.22 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G, F         and B;     -   One device of 12 pounds (5.44 kg): Coupling of pieces C, E, G         and F;     -   One device of 12.5 pounds (5.67 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, E,         G and F;     -   One device of 13 pounds (5.90 kg): Coupling of pieces C, E, G, F         and D;     -   One device of 13.5 pounds (6.12 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, E,         G, F and D; and     -   One device of 14 pounds (6.35 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, E,         G, F, D and B.

Example 2: Set of 7 Pieces of 17 Pounds (7.7 kg)

We start with a set of 7 pieces that form a cylindrical body with two flat ends that are composed of pieces A, B, C, D, E, F and G. Piece A comprises a flat end and another end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling. Piece B comprises a flat end and another end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Pieces C and D each comprise an end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling and another end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Piece E comprises an end that corresponds to the male configuration (10) with a threaded mechanical coupling and an end that corresponds to the female configuration (40) with magnetic coupling. Piece F comprises an end that corresponds to the female configuration (20) with threaded mechanical coupling and the other end that corresponds to the male configuration (30) with magnetic coupling. Finally, piece G comprises an end that corresponds to the male configuration (10) with threaded mechanical coupling and another end that corresponds with a female configuration (20) with threaded mechanical coupling.

The set of 7 pieces begins by assembling piece G with piece F; coupling the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with male configuration (10) of piece G, with the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with female configuration (20) of piece F. Then, the other end of piece G that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with female configuration (20) joins the end that has the mechanical coupling mechanism with male configuration (10), of piece E.

We now continue with the assembly of piece C with piece E, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece C, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40) on piece E; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

In a similar way, we continue with the assembly of piece D with piece F, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40), of piece D, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece F; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

In the same way as described for the coupling between piece C ad piece E, we now continue with the assembling of piece A with piece C, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece A, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40) of piece C; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

Finally, we assemble piece B with piece D, coupling the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with female configuration (40), of piece B, with the end that has the magnetic coupling mechanism with male configuration (30), of piece D; making them adhere completely and that they hold firmly together by the magnetic force that acts amongst them.

The proportion of the weights of 7-piece set was realized as shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Weight proportions for Example 2. Weight Proportions A C E G F D B 0.5 X 1 X 1.5 X 1.5 X X 2 X 2 X X 2.5 X X 2.5 X X 3 X 3 X X 3.5 X X 3.5 X X 4 X 4 X X 4 X X X 4.5 X X 4.5 X X 5 X 5 X X 5 X X 5.5 X X 5.5 X X 6 X X 6 X X 6.5 X X 6.5 X X X 7 X X 7 X X 7.5 X X X 7.5 X X X 8 X X 8 X X X X 8.5 X X X 8.5 X X X X 9 X X 9.5 X X X 10 X X X 10.5 X X X 11 X X X 11.5 X X X X 12 X X X 12.5 X X X X 13 X X X X X 13.5 X X X X X 14 X X X X 14.5 X X X X X 15 X X X X X 15.5 X X X X X 16 X X X X X X 16.5 X X X X X X 17 X X X X X X X

As can be seen on table 2, the proportion of the weights of the different pieces are as follows: piece A has a proportion of ½n; piece B has a proportion of n; piece C has a proportion of 1½n, piece D has a proportion of 2n, piece E has a proportion of 3n, piece F has a proportion of 4n; and piece G has a proportion of 5n.

The previous weight definition allows us to obtain a set of pieces with all the values of weights, multiples of the piece with lighter weight. For this example, where n=1 pound, the pieces weigh from 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg) up to 17 pounds (7.7 kg).

This is how, with a sole 7-piece set, we can obtain variations that allow the use of different devices. For example, as we can see from table 2, for a 7-piece set with a total weight of 17 pounds (7.7 kg), we can obtain 51 different devices as follows:

-   -   One device of ½ pound (0.23 kg): Piece A;     -   One device of 1 pound (0.45 kg): Piece B;     -   Two devices of 1½ pounds (0.68 kg): Piece C and Coupling of         pieces A and B;     -   Two devices of 2 pounds (0.91 kg): Piece D and Coupling of         pieces A and C;     -   Two devices of 2.5 pounds (1.13 kg): Coupling of pieces C and B,         and Coupling of pieces A and D;     -   Two devices of 3 pounds (1.36 kg): Piece E and Coupling of         pieces D and B;     -   Two devices of 3.5 pounds (1.59 kg): Coupling of pieces A and E,         and Coupling of pieces C and D;     -   Three devices of 4 pounds (1.81 kg): Piece F, Coupling of pieces         E and B, and Coupling of pieces A, C and D;     -   Two devices of 4.5 pounds (2.04 kg): Coupling of pieces C and E,         and Coupling of pieces A and F;     -   Three devices of 5 pounds (2.27 kg): Piece G; Coupling of pieces         E and D, and Coupling of pieces F and B;     -   Two devices of 5.5 pounds (2.49 kg): Coupling of pieces A and G         and Coupling of pieces C and F;     -   Two devices of 6 pounds (2.72 kg): Coupling of pieces G and B         and Coupling of pieces F and D;     -   Two devices of 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg): Coupling of pieces C and G         and Coupling of pieces of A, F, and D;     -   Two devices of 7 pounds (3.18 kg): Coupling of pieces G and D         and Coupling of pieces E and F;     -   Two devices of 7.5 pounds (3.40 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G and         B and Coupling of pieces A, E and F;     -   Two devices of 8 pounds (3.63 kg): Coupling of pieces E and G,         and Coupling of pieces A, C, F and D;     -   Two devices of 8.5 pounds (3.86 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G and         D, and Coupling of pieces A, E, F and B;     -   One device of 9 pounds (4.08 kg): Coupling of pieces G and F;     -   One device of 9.5 pounds (4.31 kg): Couplings of pieces A, G and         F;     -   One device of 10 pounds (4.54 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G and         D;     -   One device of 10.5 pounds (4.76 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G and         F;     -   One device of 11 pounds (5.00 kg): Coupling of pieces G, F and         D;     -   One device of 11.5 pounds (5.22 kg): Coupling of pieces A, G, F         and D;     -   One device of 12 pounds (5.44 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G and         F;     -   One device of 12.5 pounds (5.67 kg): Coupling of pieces A, E, G         and F;     -   One device of 13 pounds (5.90 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, G, F         and D;     -   One device of 13.5 pounds (6.12 kg): Coupling of pieces C, G, F,         D and B;     -   One device of 14 pounds (6.35 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G, F,         and D;     -   One device of 14.5 pounds (6.58 kg): Coupling of pieces A, E, G,         F and D;     -   One device of 15 pounds (6.80 kg): Coupling of pieces E, G, F, D         and B;     -   One device of 15.5 pounds (7.03 kg): Coupling of pieces C, E, G,         F and D;     -   One device of 16 pounds (7.26 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, E,         G, F and D;     -   One device of 16.5 pounds (7.48 kg): Coupling of pieces C, E, G,         F, D and B; and     -   One device of 17 pounds (7.71 kg): Coupling of pieces A, C, E,         G, F, D and B.

The invention allows us to obtain more devices than the above described or devices of higher weight, as long as one or more pieces of the required type are added to the system in accordance with the need.

Although the invention has been described in reference to the embodiments of the present memory, these embodiments do not limit the invention. The modifications to these embodiments or other embodiments can fall within the scope of the invention. It must be understood that the previous examples have been only for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as limitative of the scope of the invention.

SUMMARY

The present invention refers to a system of couplable pieces through mechanical, magnetic, and combination of these coupling mechanisms. This system of couplable pieces allows the distribution of different weights through the pieces of a set of pieces of the invention. 

1. A system of pieces, that comprises: one or more couplable pieces in a sequential manner through different coupling mechanisms on either of its ends.
 2. The system of pieces according to claim 1, where one or more couplable pieces comprise one or more coupling mechanisms.
 3. The system of pieces according to claim 1, where the coupling mechanisms of the one or more couplable pieces are selected from i) a mechanical coupling mechanism, preferably selected from pressure, threaded, hermetic sealing, adhesion, vacuum adhesion and/or velcro, ii) a magnetic coupling mechanism or iii) combinations of these.
 4. The system of pieces, according to claim 3, where the threaded mechanical coupling mechanism comprises a male configuration and a female configuration, the male configuration presents a bar with the screw type threaded section; the female configuration presents a cylindrical space, with the nut type threaded section, and both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar that has the screw type threaded section, with the cylindrical space that has the nut type threaded section, allowing the coupling of both elements.
 5. The system of pieces, according to claim 4, where the male configuration additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar that has the screw type threaded section and one or more concentric grooves, with cylindrical space that has a nut type threaded section and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the coupling of both configurations.
 6. The system of pieces according to claim 3, where the magnetic coupling comprises a male configuration and a female configuration, the male configuration presents a bar on whose surface one or more magnets are located and a surface made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; the female configuration presents a cylindrical space whose base is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction, and surface in which one or more magnets are located, and both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base; as well as, the contact of surface, with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 7. The system of pieces according to claim 6, where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base as well as, the contact of surface, with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 8. The system of pieces according to the claim 6 where the surface of the male configuration or the surface of the female configuration do not have magnets.
 9. The system of pieces, according to claim 6, where the male configuration comprises magnets in the surface and the female configuration comprises magnets in the base, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base and magnets; as well as, the contact of surface and magnets, with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 10. The system of pieces according to claim 9, where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base and magnets; as well as, the contact of surface and magnets, with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 11. The system of pieces of claim 3, that comprises: a male configuration, that presents a bar in whose are located one or more magnets and a surface made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; a female configuration that presents a cylindrical space with a nut type threaded section and whose base is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 12. The system of pieces of claim 11 where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with the base.
 13. The system of pieces of claim 3, that comprises: a male configuration, that presents a bar in whose surface are located one or more magnets; a female configuration that presents a cylindrical space with a nut type threaded section and whose surface is made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with surface and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 14. The system of pieces of claim 13, where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration additionally comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface and magnets, with surface.
 15. The system of pieces of claim 3, that comprises: a male configuration that presents a bar with a screw type threaded section and a surface made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; a female configuration that presents a cylindrical space and a surface in which one or more magnets are located, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 16. The system of pieces of claim 15, where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 17. The system of pieces of claim 3, that comprises: a male configuration, that presents a bar with a screw type threaded section and a surface made of a material that is susceptible to magnetic attraction; a female configuration that presents a cylindrical space and a surface in which one or more magnets are located, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar with the cylindrical space, allowing the contact of surface with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 18. The system of pieces of claim 17, where the male configuration, additionally comprises one or more concentric grooves between the bar and the external border, and the female configuration comprises one or more concentric tubular bodies, both configurations are designed with the right shape and size to adjust, the bar and one or more concentric grooves with the cylindrical space and one or more concentric tubular bodies, allowing the contact of surface with surface and magnets; and finally the coupling of both configurations.
 19. The system of pieces of claim 3 that comprise a set of pieces that form a cylindrical body with two flat ends that consists of: a) A piece type A with a flat end and the other end corresponds to the male configuration with magnetic coupling; b) A piece type B with a flat end and the other end corresponds to the female configuration with magnetic coupling; c) A piece type C with an end that corresponds to the male configuration with magnetic coupling and the other end corresponds to the female configuration with magnetic coupling; d) A piece type D with an end that corresponds to the female configuration with magnetic coupling and the other end corresponds to the male configuration with magnetic coupling; e) A piece type E with an end that corresponds to the male configuration with threaded mechanical coupling and another end that corresponds to the female configuration with magnetic coupling; f) A piece type F with an end that corresponds to the female configuration with threaded mechanical coupling and the other end that corresponds to the male configuration, with magnetic coupling; and g) A piece type G with an end that corresponds to the male configuration with threaded mechanical coupling and the other end that corresponds to the female configuration, with threaded mechanical coupling.
 20. The system of pieces of claim 19 where the weight proportion of the different types of pieces is as follows: a) the piece type A and B have a weight of ½n; b) the piece type C and D have a weight of n; c) the piece type E and F have a weight of 3n; and d) the piece type G has a weight of 5n. where n corresponds to any weight that allows the use of the system of pieces.
 21. The system of pieces of claim 19 where the weight proportion of the different types of pieces is as follows: a) the piece type A has a weight of ½n; b) the piece type B has a weight of n; c) the piece type C has a weight of 1½n; d) the piece type D has a weight of 2n; e) the piece type E has a weight of 3n; f) the piece type F has a weight of 4n; and g) the piece type G has a weight of 5n; where n corresponds to any weight that allows the use of the system of pieces.
 22. Use of the system of pieces of claim 20, as two devices of 0.5 pounds (0.23 kg), three devices of 1 pound (0.45 kg), two devices of 1½ pounds (0.68 kg), one device of 2 pounds (0.91 kg), one device of 2½ pounds (1.13 kg), three devices of 3 pounds (1.36 kg), two devices of 3½ pounds (1.59 kg), two devices of 4 pounds (1.81 kg), two devices of 4½ pounds (2.04 kg), two devices of 5 pounds (2.27 kg), two devices of 5½ pounds (2.49 kg), two devices of 6 pounds (2.72 kg), two devices of 6½ pounds (2.95 kg), two devices of 7 pounds (3.18 kg), one device of 7½ pounds (3.40 kg), one device of 8 pounds (3.63 kg), one device of 8½ pounds (3.86 kg), one device of 9 pounds (4.08 kg), one device of 9½ pounds (4.31 kg), one device of 10 pounds (4.54 kg), one device of 10½ pounds (4.76 kg), one device of 11 pounds (5.00 kg), one device of 11½ pounds (5.22 kg), one device of 12 pounds (5.44 kg), one device of 12½ pounds (5.67 kg), one device of 13 pounds (5.90 kg), one device of 13½ pounds (6.12 kg), and one device of 14 pounds (6.35 kg).
 23. Use of the system of pieces of claim 21, as one device of ½ pound (0.23 kg), one device of 1 pound (0.45 kg), two devices of 1½ pounds (0.68 kg), two devices of 2 pounds (0.91 kg), two devices of 2½ pounds (1.13 kg), two devices of 3 pounds (1.36 kg), two devices of 3½ pounds (1.59 kg), three devices of 4 pounds (1.81 kg), two devices of 4½ pounds (2.04 kg), three devices of 5 pounds (2.27 kg), two devices of 5½ pounds (2.49 kg), two devices of 6 pounds (2.72 kg), two devices of 6½ pounds (2.95 kg), two devices of 7 pounds (3.18 kg), two devices of 7½ pounds (3.40 kg), two devices of 8 pounds (3.63 kg), two devices of 8½ pounds (3.86 kg), one device of 9 pounds (4.08 kg), one device of 9½ pounds (4.31 kg), one device of 10 pounds (4.54 kg), one device of 10½ pounds (4.76 kg), one device of 11 pounds (5.00 kg), one device of 11½ pounds (5.22 kg), one device of 12 pounds (5.44 kg), one device of 12½ pounds (5.67 kg), one device of 13 pounds (5.90 kg), one device of 13½ pounds (6.12 kg), one device of 14 pounds (6.35 kg), one device of 14½ pounds (6.58 kg), one device of 15 pounds (6.80 kg), one device of 15½ pounds (7.03 kg), one device of 16 pounds (7.26 kg), one device of 16½ pounds (7.48 kg), and one device of 17 pounds (7.71 kg).
 24. Use of the system of pieces of claim 1 as a recreational system. 